Max gross weight testing

[JackinMichigan]

In the process of writing up a detailed test plan in preparation of the first flight. I've based it off a couple other RV test plans I've come across. Towards the end of the test plan I have "max gross weight checks", which is where you load the plane down to it's maximum takeoff weight of 2,700 pounds and perform some basic flight maneuvers.

To get up to this weight I will need an additional 700 pounds of ballast on top of my fat a$$. I originally thought of getting a bunch of sand bags, but my father shared with me a horror story of someone else doing that. Apparently the bag broke open and the sand poured into the tail, which threw him so far out of balance that he lost control and crashed.

What's a good ballast material that won't cost a fortune, stay put inside the airplane, and not soil up the upholstery?

[Auburntsts]

I used 40# bags of mulch. Some have used bags of water softener salt pellets or cement. The idea was to use something that's easy to get and useful after the test flight. Whatever you use just insure you put down a drop cloth and you shouldn't have any issues if a bag springs a leak.

[BillL]

My 10-friend used sand, I will re-use his sand. Nothing wrong with that. Just take some tarp and sit the bags on it and wrap for protection then make sure you have it all strapped down. Just do what is necessary to avoid breakage and leakage.

I had rather have this than 50# cast iron weights

[9GT]

I used 40# bags of water softener salt pellets. The bags are sealed well and very thick. I was then able to use the salt in my softener after I was done testing.

[N520TX]

I used 80# bags of Quickcrete, wrapped in plastic from Homey Depot. Figure they'll get used on some back yard project.

[Veetail88]

I used cases of bottled water. Figured if one broke it wouldn't be a big deal. Because of their bulk though, I calculated the cg of each case. Had them stacked in the rear baggage compartment, on the rear seat and even on the floor protruding up the sides of the front seat. Made sure they were secured well. I was able to get to max gross at max aft cg. Afterwards just kept the cases in the hanger to drink. Just about gone now, 3 years later. Beware, stick pressure feedback reverse is real!

[Champ]

Lawn needed fertilizer so that's what I used. 40 lb bags on a drop cloth.

[Robert Anglin]

Cases of oil, 25lbs., 24 packs of soft drinks, 12 packs of soft drinks and ice tea 12 packs and so on. You can load what you want for the testing then stack it up next to the beer frig in the hangar or the house and use it tell it is gone.
Win-Win kind of thing and yes if you use oil it goes in the airplane, we hand 6 or 8 cases so we used them then put it back on the shelf for later.
Just what we did. Yours, R.E.A. III #80888

[Hwood]

50lb bag of dog food

[Ron RV8]

Water containers... Whatever you own or can borrow...

The idea of putting something abrasive or corrosive in my new airplane did not appeal to me...

This was an RV-8 @ max gross & rearward C/G...